GREAT NEWS, HELLO CIGNA!

Altus Baytown ER is Now In-Network with Cigna!

We have exciting news! As of now, Altus Baytown ER is an in-network provider for Cigna. In other words, Altus Baytown ER is Now In-Network with Cigna!

What is the Difference Between In-Network and Out-of-Network Providers?

Insurance companies negotiate service rates with a network of facilities to help provide better prices for their members.

The healthcare facilities that agree to offer their services at the negotiated discount rate are considered to be in-network providers.

Any hospital, or emergency room that does not have a contract with the insurance company is an out-of-network provider.

Are In-Network Emergency Rooms Better than Out of Network ER’s?

Not necessarily. The quality of care you receive at an ER center is not dependent on them being part of a network or not.

Rather it depends on the quality of doctors, nurses, technicians, and administrative staff they have working for them as well as the diagnostic equipment they have in their facilities.

All Altus Emergency Centers are known to provide more personalized care and significantly lower wait times. Additionally, we strive to hire only the best doctors, nurses, and technicians to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible.

Moreover, we continuously invest in new technologies that provide faster, more accurate test results that help our physicians make the right diagnosis.

Are Out-Of-Network Providers More Expensive than In-Network Providers?

In most cases, patients will have higher out-of-pocket expenses when they visit an out-of-network facility or doctor.

The big exception to the rule, of course, is Altus Emergency Centers, while not all our facilities are in-network; we offer exceptional service at considerably lower costs in all our locations compared to other out-of-network facilities.

Why Altus Emergency Centers is Different

We’ve always prided ourselves on the high quality of our care, and our patients agree, our staff always goes above and beyond the call of duty.

However, some of our patients expressed their concerns regarding their out-of-pocket expenses for the services we provided, not only did we understand we agreed that we could do better. So we set out to find a solution that worked, and we found it.

How Doctor Fees Work

Most doctors who work for hospitals and emergency centers are not employees of the healthcare facility. They are employed as contractors, meaning they set the prices for the services they provide.

If they are not part of an insurance company’s network, it means their prices could be higher than those of in-network providers, and this will mean higher copays for the patient.

To solve this gap, Altus Emergency Centers decided to become a direct employer for all the physicians working at our centers. In simple terms we created our network, and just like insurance companies negotiate discounted rates, we did the same with our employees.

As a result, we can now provide the same high quality of care at a much lower price compared to other out-of-network facilities.

If I Have a Cigna Plan, Can I Only Go to An In-Network ER?

NO!

The law guarantees coverage & treatment for a real emergency. Regardless of the type of healthcare plan or which insurance company you work with, you can visit any ER including our multiple facilities throughout Southeast Texas.

We will process and file a claim with all major insurance companies on your behalf.

So, What Are The Benefits of Altus Baytown ER Now Being An In-Network Provider?

As we mentioned before, you will receive the best emergency care possible, with guaranteed low wait times.

Additionally, when you come to our facility in Baytown our Patient Advocate can now examine your Cigna healthcare plan in detail.

Our team of experts will explain your benefits and provide you with a general overview of where your deductible is today, what you could pay once processed through the ER, as well as the copay associated with your insurance plan.

What this does is eliminate a lot of the confusion and guesswork that is so often associated with the billing process at an out-of-network facility.

Altus Baytown ER Benefits

Excellent Care

Top-rated Doctors, Nurses, and Technicians

Low or No Wait Times

Better Service Rates

Clear Explanation of Benefits

Less Confusion During the Billing Process

Altus Emergency Centers is continuously evolving and improving our level of service. Our Altus Baytown ER facility, the preferred outpatient ER of Altus Hospital, is a clear example of how we are shaping the future of emergency care.

Altus Emergency Centers Texas is Here for You 24/7

Altus Emergency Centers are all open 24/7/365, with no lines. Our facilities are well-equipped to diagnose and treat major to minor adult and pediatric emergencies. We are honored to be a part of our beautiful Texas communities and work hard each day to help see them grow and prosper!

24 Hour ER Services – Best in Texas

Looking for the best quality 24 hour ER services?

We offer the best 24 hour ER services in Texas. We’re proud of our top of the line medical technology and highly experienced ER healthcare experts, who are here prepped and ready to help save your life in Baytown, Lake Jackson, Lumberton, and Waxahachie.

Each ER team is highly efficient in treating chest and abdominal pains, pediatric emergencies, flu symptoms, sports injuries, bone breaks, as well as all other major and minor injuries. All services are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays with little to no wait times.

Altus Baytown ER Expands It’s Imaging Services

For many years residents of Baytown have known about the outstanding emergency services provided by Altus Baytown ER.

Announcing, Altus Baytown ER Imaging Service Expansion. Our recent strategic partnership with Altus Baytown Hospital has opened the doors for us to expand our services, including the acceptance of Medicare patients.

Our goal is to provide a more comprehensive range of services that benefit the entire community of Baytown, not only those experiencing a medical emergency.

Therefore, today, we are pleased to announce that, as of right now, our imaging center can accept outpatient referrals. Our service is available to anyone at any time, including after-hours and weekends. The following are details of the all-new Altus Baytown ER imaging service expansion.

We have furnished our imaging center with the most technologically advanced diagnostic imaging equipment to provide fast and accurate results.

CT Scan

CT Scan or CAT Scans provide detailed images of the soft tissue, bones, and blood vessels of the body, allowing physicians to diagnose illnesses such as cancer and heart disease as well as internal injuries caused by trauma.

Common Reasons to Get a CT Scan

Physicians may request a CT Scan to:

Diagnosing Infectious Diseases

Diagnose Muscle Disorders

Evaluate Bone Fractures

Locate Tumors and Other Masses

Evaluate The Health of Blood Vessels and Other Internal Structures

Assess Internal Injuries and Internal Bleeding

Diagnose Heart Disease

X-Rays

X-Rays produce black and white images of the internal structures of the body. For the most part X-rays are used to evaluate broken bones and other skeletal problems such as the damaged caused by arthritis.

However, doctors may request X-rays for a wide range of reasons, including diagnosing:

Infections Including Respiratory Infections

Broken Bones

Perforations in the Stomach or Intestine

Diagnose Kidney, Bladder, and Gallstones

Blocked Blood Vessels

Enlarged Heart

Locate Swallowed Items

Diagnose Hirschsprung Disease in Children (A condition causing a blockage of the large intestine).

How Can You Access Our Imaging Services

As an outpatient facility of Altus Baytown Hospital, we can assist any patient with their imaging needs, provided they have a referral from their doctor.

If your primary care physician requests you get a CT Scan, X-ray, or an Ultrasound, let them know you wish to have these done at our facility because of:

The facility for time given that we work 24/7 every day of the week, including weekends,

Central location,

Convenient parking

Excellent customer service.

For your convenience, we work with all major insurance companies including Medicare. Additionally, our team of physicians, nurses, and radiology technicians rank amongst the best in the area, so you can rest assured you are in the most qualified hands.

Altus Emergency Centers Texas is Here for You 24/7

Altus Emergency Centers are all open 24/7/365, with no lines. Our facilities are well-equipped to diagnose and treat major to minor adult and pediatric emergencies. We are honored to be a part of our beautiful Texas communities and work hard each day to help see them grow and prosper!

24 Hour ER Services – Best in Texas

Looking for the best quality 24 hour ER services?

We offer the best 24 hour ER services in Texas. We’re proud of our top of the line medical technology and highly experienced ER healthcare experts, who are here prepped and ready to help save your life in Baytown, Lake Jackson, Lumberton, and Waxahachie.

Each ER team is highly efficient in treating chest and abdominal pains, pediatric emergencies, flu symptoms, sports injuries, bone breaks, as well as all other major and minor injuries. All services are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays with little to no wait times.

Traffic Safety Awareness - Respect and Share the Road

Traffic safety: It’s the difference between life and death.

One of the biggest problems society faces today is coexisting, this problem goes beyond the work place, or family life, it also extends to our roads. Most injuries resulting from car accidents were completely preventable using proper traffic safety. Let’s learn to respect and share the road!
According to the World Health Organization

“About 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among people aged between 15 and 29 years.”

Learning to share the road with cyclists, pedestrians, and other car drivers, is the first step in making our commutes safer and more enjoyable. Traffic safety is not a choice, it saves lives and it’s the law.

With the roads full of parents and children on their way to and from school, it’s particularly important to pay special attention to traffic safety. Altus Emergency Centers urges you to respect traffic signals and speed limits. We are all responsible for making our roads safer, with a little common sense a little courtesy and following the rules, we can all do our part in preventing accidents, whether you are driving a car or motorcycle, are out bicycling, walking, or running be aware of your surroundings and respect your fellow travelers.

TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS

Traffic Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Never Assume a Driver Has Seen You: Be aware of cars turning into or getting out of driveways, or parking spaces. Stop, and make sure the driver has seen you before continuing. Also, when you are crossing a street or intersection, make eye contact with the drivers to be sure they have seen you.

Use the Sidewalks: Sidewalks are roads for pedestrians, use them, they are there for your safety. If there are no sidewalks available, always walk facing traffic, and take extra precautions when walking around curves in the road, as visibility for motorist is limited and they may not see you.

Use Crosswalks: If you need to cross a street or intersection, look for a crosswalk, if there none, keep in mind that as a pedestrian, you must yield to all other traffic when crossing, make sure you are crossing in a well-lit area with good visibility.

Be Alert: These days it’s easy for us to become distracted by our mobile devices; these distractions are responsible many accidents. Keep your eyes on the road as you walk or run, if you are listening to music, make sure the volume allows you to still hear what is going on around you.

Make Yourself Visible: This is especially important at night; if you plan to go for a walk, jog, or a run, at night make sure you wear light colored, reflective clothing.

Traffic Safety Tips for Drivers

End Distracted Driving. According to the CDC9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in distracted driving caused crashes. Distracted driving is when the conductor becomes distracted from driving. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 1 in 5 vehicle accidents is caused by driver distraction. Distractions can be: tending to children, eating, searching for something within the car, arguing, talking on the phone and texting. Fortunately, as of September 1st, 2017, texting and driving in Texas illegal.

Obey Speed Limits: We understand the need to be on time, and we even understand the thrill of fast driving, but speed limits are in place to safeguard all who travel on that road. Did you know that a pedestrian hit by a car going 40 mph has an 85% chance of being killed, while the risk at 20 mph is only 5%?

Expect and look for Pedestrians, Runners, Cyclists, and Motorcycles: Some roads prohibit pedestrians and cyclist but there is still a chance you will encounter one. Drive with the mindset that there might be others on the road, look out for them and respect their space.

Respect All Traffic Signals: Come to a complete stop when you encounter a stop sign or red light. Signal your turns and look both ways when changing lanes.

Respect Cyclists: Cyclists cannot ride on sidewalks, they must do so on the road, this means they have the same responsibilities and rights as motorcar drivers. When passing a cyclist always give them at least 3 feet for safety, never honk as you approach them, as this may startle them and cause an accident. Before you open your door make sure there are no cyclists coming that can crash against your door.

Never Drive Under the Influence or When Overly Tired: Impaired driving is the leading cause of traffic accidents, if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken any drugs, prescription or otherwise, that can impair your driving, or are exhausted for any reason, do everyone a favor, and call a cab or opt for public transportation.

Be a Defensive Driver. Remember that many drivers DO NOT practice proper traffic safety. By staying alert to other drivers, you may avoid an accident. Do not fall into road rage, this can only aggravate the problem.

Be Aware of Weather Dangers. Make sure that your vehicle is rain-ready. Keep in mind that during a rainstorm you could stand to lose two-thirds of your traction. With this in mind, please driver slower, two-thirds slower could be a good rule to follow. Appy the three-second rule during moments of poor visibility to allow yourself a safe stopping distance.

Traffic Safety Tips for Cyclists

Follow the Rules of the Road: As we mentioned before, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. So, respect traffic signals, come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights; keep as far right in your lane as you deem safe but avoid riding on the extreme right edge of the road.

Be Visible: Wear bright colored clothes during the day, reflective gear at night, and always ride with lights at night.

Be Predictable: Ride in a straight, predictable manner, avoid unnecessary swerving and sudden stops. Look ahead to spot drains, potholes, or debris on the road, this will give you time to go around them safely.

Signal Your Turns: Use proper hand signals ahead of time to alert other drivers where you are going. Look, signal and look back again when you turn or change lanes.

Wear a Helmet: Helmets only work if worn correctly, make sure your helmet is level and not tilted up, down or to the side. The chin strap should be snug and properly buckled.

COMMON TRAFFIC INJURIES

Turning Your Back on Traffic Safety: The Possible Consequences

A vehicle is not only a means of transportation; it can also be a dangerous weapon. The following are the most common types of traffic injuries:

Head Injuries: These can range from contusions, brain lacerations to hemorrhage. As the brain injury is the #1 cause for mortality in accidents, a CT Scan is recommended to get a real assessment of the degree of injury.

Spinal Cord Injuries: These can range from mild to severe cases that may result in disability.

Neck Injuries ranging from mild to severe

Chest and Airway Injuries

Lower Back Injuries

Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries

Spinal Prolapsed, Slipped or Herniated Discs

Shoulder and Arm Injuries

Seatbelt Injuries, which can include damage to the shoulder, stomach, chest, ribs, neck, hips.

Bone Fractures of all Types

Damage to the Heart and Heart Attacks.

What Can Happen in an Accident?

Each time that you’re behind the wheel, you put your life and others’ in your own hands. In order to drive home the urgency of traffic safety, the following is a detailed account of the most common traffic injuries per accident:

Frontal Collisions: On frontal collisions fracture/dislocation of the ankles, knee or hip dislocations and femoral fractures. Depending on the severity, head, cervical and spine injuries are common as well.

Rear Collisions: Cervical spinal injuries are common.

Cyclists & Motorcyclists: Head injuries and fractures of the lower extremities.

Pedestrians: Depending on the type of impact bumper, windscreen or ground, the following may occur: lower limb injuries, which can include everything ranging from gashes to fractures, torso, head and spinal injuries.

Let us make a pledge to learn to coexist on our roads, respecting traffic safety laws and our fellow travelers.

Spread the Knowledge to Help Save Lives

Don’t Put Anyone at Risk! Practice Good Traffic Safety.

A traffic accident can range from minor to major injuries. In many cases, the risk of a more serious injury to the brain or internal organs cannot be determined without having the correct medical equipment that will not be available at urgent care centers or clinics. This is not the time to wait in line for hours or drive long distances to receive ER care. Give yourself the best possibility to get well. If you or someone you know are in a traffic accident visit your nearest Altus Emergency Center immediately.

At Altus Emergency Centers, we are strong advocates of education and prevention. Our expertly trained staff is available 24/7. We are here for you in the event of a medical emergency.

Facebook

👏 Thank you, Lynn Miller for the extraordinary greeting you do for our patients. 🎂 At #AltusERWaxahachie we are wishing you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! She is not only one of our fabulous front desk clerks, she is also our friend.

🙏 Thank you for being on the front lines. God bless you and your family.

👩🏾‍⚕️ At Altus Emergency Center Waxahachie, we are SAFE & Open 24/7, No Lines. Now accepting Medicare. ... See MoreSee Less

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